Avispa Fukuoka on Monday announced the appointment of former Japan defender and captain Masami Ihara as the J. League second-division club's new manager.
The 47-year-old Ihara, most recently an assistant coach at first-division Kashiwa Reysol, played for Yokohama F Marinos, Jubilo Iwata and Urawa Reds before ending his playing career in 2002.
Nicknamed the "Wall of Asia," Ihara is Japan's second-most capped player with 122 appearances. He was captain of the Japan team that made its debut at the World Cup at the 1998 finals in France.
Ihara is charged with reviving Fukuoka's fortunes after it finished in 16th place in J2 this year.